Sài Gòn Anh Yêu Em (Sai Gon, I Love You), a film by Ly Minh Thang, was voted the best feature film by the Viet Nam Cinematography Association. The award was presented last night at HCM City’s Military Theatre.  

A scene from the 2016 Golden Kite winner for best feature film, Sai Gon, I Love You. 

The 90-minute comedy features five couples from different places and backgrounds who choose Sai Gon-HCM City as their home and tells the stories of their loves and lives. The culture and lifestyle of the Saigonese are highlighted throughout the film.

The production stars famous cải lương (reform opera) actress Ngoc Giau, young actress Maya, and young comic actor Huynh Lap, who also received the award for best supporting actor.

The film also won prizes for best screenplay and best cinematography.

Vu Ngoc Phuong, director of 12 Chòm Sao: Vẽ Đường Cho Yêu Chạy (12 Zodiac: Five Steps of Love), was awarded the  best director prize.

Phuong, a graduate of screenwriting at The London Film School in the UK, is known for such films as Wing and What If, and music videos for famous singers like Son Tung M-TP and Truc Nhan.

The 31-year-old director also participated in writing screenplays for movies for young people, like Chàng Trai Năm Ấy (Dandelion) and Ngày Nảy Ngày Nay (The Lost Dragon).

The film’s leading role Vu Phuong Anh and supporting role Nguyen Do Quynh Chi were presented awards for best actress and best supporting actress, respectively.

The best actor award went to Ha Hien in director Việt Max’s Sút (Shoot).

The Golden Kite award for best TV series was presented to Viet Nam Television Film Centre’s Zippo, Mù Tạt Và Em (Zippo, Mustard and You), featuring love and friendship of young and successful people.

Its directors, Meritorious Artist Trong Trinh and Tiến Huy, received best director awards.

The Viet Nam Animation Studio’s Cậu Bé Ma-Nơ-Canh (Mannequin Boy) was voted the best animated film, while its director, Meritorious Artist Pham Hong Son, was named best director.

The award for best documentary film went to Một Giải Pháp Chống Sói Lở Ở Biển (A Preventive Measure of Coastal Erosion) by director Phung Ngoc Tu.

The 2016 Golden Kite award honoured veteran directors Nguyen Khac Loi and Tran Phung for their contributions to the industry. 

This year’s competition received 145 entries, including 19 feature films, 21 TV series, 13 cartoons, 57 documentary films, 15 scientific films and 20 short films.

Thousands participated in a week of free screenings, which featured nominees for the awards, beginning on April 1 at Cinebox, Cinestar Quoc Thanh, CGV Thao Dien, and BHD cinemas. 

VNS